Lily of the valley Meaning — Symbolism, Colours & Gifting
What do lily of the valley symbolise? Their meaning in the language of flowers, colour by colour, plus when to give them — a florist's gifting guide.
Lily of the valley is the flower of royal weddings — famously in Kate Middleton's and Grace Kelly's bouquets — one of the most powerfully-fragrant and most expensive cut flowers per stem. Only 4-6 weeks of season, 3-5 day vase life once cut. In France, the May 1 tradition of gifting muguet creates a demand spike unmatched by any other single-day event.
TL;DR. Lily of the valley stand for return of happiness, sweetness, humility and purity in the language of flowers. Colour shifts the message — red for love, white for purity, pink for gratitude.
What Lily of the valley symbolise
In the language of flowers lily of the valley carry meanings of return of happiness, sweetness, humility and purity. A bouquet is never only decorative — the flower you choose, and the colour you choose it in, is a message. That is what makes lily of the valley such a considered gift: they say something the card alone cannot.
For the botany, varieties and full profile, see the Lily of the valley encyclopedia entry.
Lily of the valley by colour — what each shade says
Lily of the valley come in several colours, and each one tilts the meaning:
- White lily of the valley — purity, sympathy and fresh starts.
Browse arrangements and pairings by shade in the flowers by colour guide.
Lily of the valley in a meaningful bouquet
Meaning works best when it is intentional. Choose the colour for the message, keep the number of stems in mind (in many traditions odd numbers are for joy), and let the recipient know what the flowers say. Then give them the care they deserve — see how to keep lily of the valley fresh — so the message lasts as long as possible.
From the Lacy Bird studio. This guide is written by our florists. We deliver seasonal flowers across the UAE — see flower delivery in Dubai — and we teach floristry, from a first bouquet to running your own shop, at the Lacy Bird Academy.
Related reading:
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